JEFFERSON LAKE STATE PARK
The sandstone hills of Jefferson County are part of the Appalachian Highlands which envelop the southeastern part of Ohio. In the sandstone bedrock can be found layers of coal which were formed by decaying swamp vegetation millions of years ago during the Pennsylvanian geologic period.
The sandstone hills of Jefferson County are part of the Appalachian Highlands which envelop the southeastern part of Ohio. In the sandstone bedrock can be found layers of coal which were formed by decaying swamp vegetation millions of years ago during the Pennsylvanian geologic period.
Covering the hills and valleys of the area is a second growth oak and hickory forest. Growing side-by-side with towering white oaks and shagbark hickories are stately beeches and maples, tulip trees, walnuts, elms and ashes. The forest is composed of much more than trees, although they constitute its most conspicuous feature. The observant visitor may find a wealth of wildflowers such as wild geranium, hepatica and bloodroot. The leafy canopy rings with a harmonious chorus of bird songs. Wild turkey and ruffed grouse are dispersed in these hills and forests as well. These are just a few of the natural wonders found at Jefferson Lake.
The Jefferson Lake region was once the home of Logan, the celebrated Mingo chief whose family was massacred near here on the Ohio River at the mouth of Yellow creek. This incident spurred Lord Dunmore's War in 1774.
In more recent times, the area has been home to the steel industry in Ohio. The underlying coal fields and Ohio River access have made it a focal point of this industry.
Jefferson Lake State Park was developed on 962 acres in the valley of the Town Fork of Yellow Creek. Land acquisition began in 1928. The lake and other facilities were constructed by the National Park Service in cooperation with the old Ohio Division of Conservation as a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression. The dam was constructed in 1934 and the 17-acre lake was filled in 1946. In 1950, the area was turned over to the newly created Division of Parks and Recreation.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres945
Water, acres17
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles18
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #3
Swimming Beach, feet200
Mountain Bike Trails, miles20
Bridle Trails, miles18
Nature Centeryes
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating Limits-1
Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #61
Pets Permittedyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Rent-A-Camp Sites, #1
Horsemen Campsites, #35
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
There is a family camping area suitable for tents and trailers offering 97 non-electric sites. Latrines water fountains, picnic tables and fire rings are provided. Rent-A-Camp sites equipped with a tent, covered picnic table, cookstove and other gear are available on a reservation basis. Campers with pets are permitted on designated sites.